[patelhj1]

Hey Ninja Community,

I am currently in the job hunting phase. I would like to know how I should be applying. Should I go through a recruiter such as Robert Half or am I better off looking for firms and applying directly on their site.

I spoke to one of my previous teachers and she told me that I am better off just looking for companies in my area and directly applying. She said in this day and age companies are not looking to go through recruiters.

Any feedback on how I should be applying is appreciated. I would like to apply now and hope to have interviews before Christmas.

BEC 78 08/2015
REG 71 11/2015, RETAKE 83 01/2016
FAR 75! 5/2016
AUD ? 8/2016

Becker with Nonstop NINJA MCQ
Google most difficult professional exam

[sallybreann]

I just moved to a new city across the country (Minnesota to Kentucky with 2 years experience in audit public accounting) and tried applying on my own and not use a recruiter for the reasons you stated. I did not get one call back. I called up Robert Half and had 3 interviews and 3 job offers within ONE week. It was amazing. I recommend going through a recruiter and be very clear about what you are looking for, they can be a great resource. Good luck on the job search and congrats on passing the exam! I take my first section – FAR in 35 days and am using Becker/NINJA MCQs. I'm trying to stay positive and focused!

[Missy]

Your teacher couldn't have been more wrong, companies are turning to recruiters more than ever for a variety of reasons. However a recruiter may or may not be best for YOU, as they are never going to advocate on your behalf or negotiate salary/benefits/etc.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[junodobi]

@patelhj1 I found my first accounting job after attending an event for students hosted by my state's CPA association. I got two interviews and my current job out of it, after applying to what felt like a million positions. Not sure if that is an option for you, but if you can attend some kind of event I recommend doing it.

[Anonymous]

My answer: yes.

As in, yes use recruiters; yes look independently; yes go to networking/career events; yes to all methods.

There's no reason to limit yourself to one or two. It takes more time to do multiple, but if you're unemployed, you've got time to invest.

P. S. @sallybreann Welcome to KY! What part of KY did you land in? I've lived in several states, ended up in KY about 9 years ago and stayed. SE KY for me (about 15 miles north of the TN border along I-75). My LinkedIn is in my profile if you wanted some KY connections. 🙂

[sallybreann]

@Lilla thank you! I landed in Louisville and am really enjoying it here 🙂 I ended up at a regional firm (Dean Dorton in case you've heard of it) and so far it has been a great fit for me!

[Author]

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